WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS (1865 – 1939)

Dull in study, dark in complexion, unsuccessful in love, William Butler Yeats was attracted towards occultism and theosophy, and began writing plays, ballads and poetry.

Symbolism was the highlight of his poetry. Yeats’ later poetry became increasingly realistic and philosophical, described in one of his poems :

"I made my songs a coat,
covered with embroideries…
But now he realizes that
There is more enterprise in
Walking naked."

Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923. He died in 1939.